Albariño is a dry white white that shows lemon, peaches, sweet melon, and a touch of salinity. Some can be light and crisp while others can have a heavier body with a fruity finish. It may be the perfect wine for Cape Cod summers and traditional Cape Cod cuisine. So let's learn about it!
(This article was written for GrapeBunch, our weekly wine periodical. Click here to read the original!)
(This article was written for GrapeBunch, our weekly wine periodical. Click here to read the original!)
Up in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula is Galicia. This is the portion of Spain that hangs over Portugal. Galicia was once occupied by the Celtic people called the Gallaeci, so the culture and appearance of the people who live here is much more Celtic than the majority of Spain.
The climate in Galicia makes it easy for rot to effect crops, which of course causes a big problem for grapes and grapevines. So it's a good thing that the native white grape Albariño has everything it takes to fight that rot, including thick skins.
Because of this, Albariño is so embraced that it takes up the vast majority of vineyard plantings in Galicia. Most of the Spanish Albariño that you will see here are from the Galicia region of Rías Baixas, pronounced ree-us bi-shus, where it takes up 90% of vineyard plantings.
Another huge factor in why certain varietals are so beloved in certain places is not just how well it handles the climate, but also how it pairs with their food. Like Cape Cod, the cuisine of Rías Baixas is very seafood driven, so naturally their wine of choice, Albariño, pairs well with seafood. Next time you're having a traditional Cape Cod dish, have it with a glass of Albariño!
Albariño isn't just in Spain, though. Plantings cross over the border into Portugal where it's called Alvarinho. It's the main grape in the white version of Vinho Verde, which is a light, crisp, refreshing, delicious, and very affordable quaffer. Chill it right up and enjoy with friends on the porch!
PONTELLON ALBARIÑO
Luke's exclusive Pontellon Albariño by Adegas Tollodouro is bursting with life, showing green apples, pineapple, and honeysuckle, with beautiful minerality on the nose and finish. I'm obsessed with lemon butter cod, and this would get along swimmingly with that.
This article was written for The GrapeBunch Wine Periodical.
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Joey Casco
Beverage Marketer
Certified Specialist of Wine
Certified Specialist of Spirits
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